Broncos vs. Steelers in Late Afternoon Game at Heinz; PBT’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Continues Run (Sun., 12/20/15)

1) The Steelers, who are coming off a big win against the division leading Cincinnati Bengals, line up this week against the Denver Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning. This game could have playoff implications. Let’s hope that Manning adds a new verse to his national Insurance commercial with the Jingles after this Sunday’s game. Maybe something like “Why do the Steelers have to hit so hard?” 4:25 p.m. 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore.

The Rat King (Alejandro Diaz) taunts Marie. Photo: Martha Rial

2) It’s the ballet that even non-ballet fans enjoy. The Nutcracker, by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa, is a holiday staple in cities across the U.S., and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s production is a grand one that pulls out all the stops. Choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s music by PBT artistic director Terrence S. Orr, this Nutcracker has a “traditional” feel but includes many custom features you won’t find in other versions. As the story moves from an old-time Christmas party into the realm of fantasy—with the Nutcracker doll coming to life and leading a cast of more than 100 adult and child dancers through a visit to the Land of Enchantment—there are dazzling special dances, amazing magic tricks, and breathtaking stage effects. Noon and 4:30 p.m. Performances through December 27. Benedum Center, 237 7th St., Cultural District. (MV)

3) The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 – When last we left our heroine Katniss Everdeen she and other leaders of the rebellion where planning their siege on the Capitol and President Snow. At least I think so. I’ve seen all the earlier movies but can’t really remember what happened in each. I’m pretty sure that in Part 1 a bunch of people in oatmeal colored shifts were hiding out in a bunker while fighter jets were bombing them. I guess in this one they come outside and, judging from the trailer I saw, follow Katniss in her quest to bring down the empire. Closing out the franchise are Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, Julianne Moore, Jena Malone, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Stanley Tucci and, in one of his last performances, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Check Fandango for screens and times. (TH)

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